This content is sponsored by Johns Hopkins Medicine​Nearly 50 percent of women reported a rise in stress levels over the past five years. Chronic stress contributes to a range of health problems, including mental health disorders, heart disease and obesity.Integrative treatments like meditation and acupuncture can help reduce stress and related problems. These techniques are gaining mainstream acceptance as research demonstrates their positive health effects.Several studies show that relaxation helps improve gene expressions that control the flight-or-fight response in the body and activate the “rest-and-digest” part of the brain (parasympathetic nervous system). Even during the busiest day, we can find micro-moments where we use gratitude, deep breath and enjoyable music to bring relaxation response.Below are a few of the ways we recommend dealing with stress.Meditation and Mindfulness-Based Stress ReductionMeditation and mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) are therapies proven to help manage anxiety and depression.Meditation helps you relax by focusing on breathing and awareness of the body in the present moment.MBSR is a program that draws on the principles of meditation to help people become more aware of how negative thoughts impact physical feelings. Research has shown that benefits of MBSR include:

Reduced stress and worrying

Improved memory and focus

Fewer emotional ups and downs and greater resilience

Improved relationships

MBSR is an incredibly effective tool for decreasing stress and anxiety. Through phone apps and introductory courses, mindfulness training is more readily available and affordable.AcupunctureAcupuncture is an ancient Chinese practice involving the use of tiny needles to stimulate the nervous and immune systems. During the procedure, a licensed acupuncturist inserts hair-thin needles into the skin at specific points on the body. Acupuncture is painless, and research shows that it helps support conventional treatment for a range of problems that include stress, chronic pain and digestive disorders.Therapeutic MassageWhile many of us think of massage as a rare, indulgent treat, studies indicate massage helps treat a variety of stress-related disorders, including anxiety and insomnia. In addition to general wellness, massage is used for a variety of health-related conditions, including chronic pain relief, reducing stress, increasing relaxation and boosting mood.It is important to talk to your doctor about whether massage is right for you. It may not be appropriate for people with certain conditions, such as bleeding disorders or osteoporosis.Massage is found to be helpful both physically and emotionally. The rubbing soothes sore muscles and releases tension in the body and mind. Massaging muscles and soft tissue stimulates the nerves, increases blood flow and relieves stress in the muscles.Massage is incredibly useful, particularly when facing a health challenge.Yoga TherapyYoga helps improve quality of life in physical areas like flexibility, strength, balance, stamina and joint health, including relief for people with arthritis. It also has mental health benefits, including stress reduction, body awareness, improved sleep, self-confidence and relaxation.Yoga therapy is the process of empowering individuals to progress toward improved health and well-being through the teachings and practices of yoga.Yoga therapists create a personalized and evolving yoga practice that not only addresses illness but works to alleviate suffering in a progressive, non-invasive and complementary manner.The Most Effective ApproachManaging stress is one of the most important ways to decrease inflammation and positively affecting long-term health. Unfortunately there is not one magic bullet that reverses stress, but a comprehensive mind-body plan is the most effective approach.Rosanne Sheinberg, MD, and Harpreet Gujral, DNP, FNP-BC, direct the Integrative Medicine Center at Sibley Memorial Hospital. Their mission is to help treat both the physical and mental health of their patients in order to manage the brain and how it contributes to symptoms of stress.

Did you know that arthritis is the main cause of knee pain and disability? Depending on the type and severity of the condition, treatment options include “conservative” medical, lifestyle and non-surgical interventions (oral medications, injections, physical therapy, weight loss, exercise); Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) modalities (acupuncture, massage, tai chi); and knee replacement surgery.Building Up Muscle Around the Knee“The best form of non-surgical treatment is exercise with or without formal physical therapy,” says Dr. Jeffrey Geller, chief of orthopedic surgery at NewYork-Presbyterian Lawrence Hospital in Bronxville, N.Y. “Among the non-operative modalities evaluated, there is the most scientific evidence to support building up strength in the muscles around the knee to help improve the symptoms associated with knee arthritis.”“Patients with knee arthritis are encouraged to stay fit and keep active,” says Dr. Darwin Chen, an orthopedic surgeon at The Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. “I encourage these patients to engage in any form of exercise they’d like to do, except high-impact or pounding activities. As long as the knee does not hurt during exercise, you can continue to do most activities.” He also recommends Tai Chi, yoga, aerobics and spinning (indoor cycling) as safe activities.Complementary and Alternative OptionsRecent research is adding to the evidence that a few CAM methods, like tai chi, acupuncture and massage therapy, show promise in treating knee arthritis.Several studies funded by the the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), which is part of the National Institutes of Health, found that CAM modalities can reduce pain and stiffness while improving function and quality of life for patients with knee arthritis. For example, two studies — one in 2009 and another in 2016 — found that tai chi can benefit older adults with knee osteoarthritis.In a 2004 study funded by the NCCIH, acupuncture was found to relieve pain and improve knee function. The institute also funded studies on the benefits of massage therapy, finding in 2012 that a 60-minute dose of Swedish massage therapy once per week for osteoarthritis pain was optimal and practical. Another NCCIH study in 2018 found that massage therapy can provide short-term improvement of knee osteoarthritis symptoms.When Knee Replacement Surgery Is EffectiveAccording to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 600,000 knee replacement surgeries are performed in the U.S. every year. The first knee replacement surgeries were performed in 1968.“Knee replacement is a highly effective treatment for end-stage knee arthritis that has failed conservative management,” Chen says. “All bony surfaces are resurfaced with implants made of a combination of metal and plastic. Partial knee replacement is a good option for those who have arthritis isolated to one of the three compartments of the knee.”Christine Bush Clow, 67, a writer and college instructor in Center Valley, Pa., had osteoarthritis in both knees. “My knees had been going downhill a full 10 years before my knee replacement,” she says. She tried tai chi and physical therapy, but neither helped with her knee pain.Clow tried several things to relieve her pain. “Meditation helped me to deal with the pain, but did not relieve it,” she says. She had cortisone and Synvisc injections (hyaluronic acid, to help cushion and lubricate joints). While the shots gave her short-term pain relief, because she had experienced rapid deterioration in her knees and almost ended up in a wheelchair and on oxycodone pain medication, she opted for knee replacement surgery in both knees at 62.Is Knee Replacement Surgery for You?How can you determine whether you need knee replacement surgery?“Most patients who are appropriate candidates for knee replacement surgery will have failed conservative treatment already, such as physical therapy, weight loss and cortisone or viscosupplementation (joint lubricating) injections,” Chen says. “Patients often decide to proceed with knee replacement surgery when the pain becomes limiting on a daily basis.” He adds that if you have more bad days than good ones due to knee pain, it may be time to consider surgery.“In general, we try all non-operative treatments as a first line therapy, even if the arthritis, as demonstrated on X-ray or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging scan), is advanced,” Geller says, adding that he also considers quality of life. “When one’s knee pain is getting in the way of work, life, function, sleep, that is when surgery is typically indicated.”Appropriate candidates for knee replacement are typically 50 and older. In preparation for surgery, “All medical issues — high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, obesity, smoking — should be well under control. X-rays should show advanced knee arthritis and conservative treatment — physical therapy, weight loss and other lifestyle changes — should be tried before opting for surgery.”For more information, see the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons website. Also, see this list of questions to ask your surgeon about knee replacement.By Debbie L. MillerDebbie L. Miller has been a freelance writer, playwright and actor for more than 25 years. She writes in Brooklyn, N.Y., and won the 2017 Mona Schreiber Prize for Humorous Fiction and Nonfiction.

​As a mom of four girls, I don’t get much time to practice self care and wellness, so I welcome opportunities to indulge in quality “me time.” One indulgence is Soothe on-demand massage, which makes a great Mother’s Day gift for any busy mom looking to relax without having to go to a spa.The joys of mothering are endless, but it isn’t always conducive to getting enough sleep, as all parents know. According to the National Sleep Foundation, adults need between 7-9 hours of sleep per night. Massage therapy is perfect for moms who are losing sleep feel refreshed and energized, in a holistic way.In addition to helping with exhaustion, massage therapy has many health benefits:it relieves tension and soreness in your muscles, if you’ve been sitting all day or working out intensely;it increases blood circulation which can increase your energy and focus, while at the same time promoting relaxation;and, if you suffer from depression or anxiety, massage therapy may help alleviate these symptoms, according to studies

A 10-minute massage for pediatric palliative care patients, as well as family caregivers, resulted in less pain for the patients and less distress for the caregivers, according to recent research.

The study, “Impact of a Massage Therapy Intervention for Pediatric Palliative Care Patients and Their Family Caregivers,” involved 53 pediatric palliative care patients with “complex, chronic medical conditions” and 112 family caregivers. The mean age of the patients was 46 months.Study DesignEach family selected a 30-minute scheduled time for the massage intervention, which took place in the patient’s hospital room.Among the 53 children who received a massage, the mean duration of massage was 10.5 minutes.Among the 112 caregivers who received a massage, the mean duration of massage was 10.3 minutes.Prior to the start of the massage, the caregiver and, whenever possible, the child, were encouraged to share an intention, such as “I want to feel better” or “I want to relax.”Certified, pediatric-trained massage therapists performed each massage, with a focus on the hands, feet, arms, scalp, head and shoulders. In order to reduce the background noise of the hospital, soft music was played throughout the intervention.During the patient’s massage, family caregivers were encouraged to make note of the “calming touch techniques that could be used by the family.”Outcome MeasuresThe main outcome measures in this study were symptom severity and the number of times each patient needed to use medication for nausea or pain. Symptom severity was measured before and after massage primarily via the Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability (FLACC) scale, designed to assess pain in young children.To measure medication usage, the researchers checked each patient’s chart in the 24 hours before and after the massage.Other outcome measures were caregiver distress and nurse perception of massage therapy for patients and caregivers.Caregiver distress was measured five minutes before and after massage using the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Distress Thermometer Scale. To determine nurse perception of the massage intervention, the researchers asked the nurses to complete a short written survey.OutcomesResults of the research showed a reduced FLACC score for the majority of the pediatric palliative care patients, as well as a statistically significant reduction in the use of medication for pain in the 24 hours after massage.In addition, caregiver distress decreased after the intervention, and the nurses responded positively to the use of massage therapy for the patients and caregivers.“Massage therapy is noted in this pilot investigation to be feasible for children and family caregivers and acceptable for bedside nursing staff,” state the study’s authors.“Based off the FLACC scores in children and NCCN Distress Thermometer Scale ratings for caregivers, massage has the potential to serve as a caring intervention in the pediatric palliative care setting.”Authors: Taelyr Weekly, Beverly Riley, Christopher Wichman, Melissa Tibbits and Meaghann Weaver. Sources: Nebraska Medical Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska; and Division of Pediatric Palliative Care, Children’s Hospital and Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska. Originally published online in November 2018 in the Journal of Palliative Care.Related Posts

MaKayla McClain is a licensed and nationally certified massage therapist. BONNERS FERRY — Getting a massage has a wide variety of health benefits, from relieving pain to lowering blood pressure, and many things in between. The health benefits also apply to animals such as horses and dogs.MaKayla McClain is a licensed and nationally certified massage therapist who currently operates out of a room in Rawlings Community Counseling alongside Katie Holeski. Her business name is Integrated Massage Therapy, and she also works at the Kootenai River Inn Spa.She met Holeski at the Kootenai River Inn Spa and from there, their friendship blossomed.“I think Katie is a hoot, I love her,” said McClain. “She is this cool, free spirit. We hit it off and she got this deal offered to her and we had been brainstorming business ideas anyway, and she thought about me and asked me to be a part of it.”McClain and her husband moved to Bonners Ferry from southeastern Idaho about a year and a half ago.“My husband got a wild hair one day and told me that he was going to go to Bonners Ferry and try to find a job,” said McClain. “He got a call the next day, and he said we will move up here the next week.”McClain has been interested in massage since she was young.“I have always been interested in it ever since I was a kid, just kind of the way the body works and its ability to heal,” said McClain.McClain began massage school in Maui, Hawaii, in 2008, eventually pursuing the rigorous testing to obtain the title of nationally certified.“I voluntarily went to this intense course, study, test, and rigorous hours that I needed to keep and maintain to have that,” said McClain.She has had that certification since 2010 and continues to meet the requirements to maintain that licensing, along with the Idaho license.McClain was originally looking into practicing equine massage. As a horse owner, she understands the horse and rider relationship and how having a healthy team allows for a smooth performance.“Then I decided that it would be a little smarter to start with somebody that can give feedback without biting you,” said McClain.She is currently pursuing equine massage and plans to continue both paths to bring not only people the health benefits, but their equine partners as well, enabling the team to function to the best of their abilities.“Now that I have gotten a feel for this, I am pursuing equine massage to tie it in,” said McClain. “The relationship we have with our animals is fascinating.”Massage reduces pain and tension, allowing the horse more freedom and fluidity of movement as well as aiding the rider with being more relaxed and centered. Moving the muscles around also releases endorphins, in turn reducing the amount of pain perception. With more relaxed muscles, the movement is not only more fluid, but it puts less tension on the joints, in turn reducing the likelihood of injury.“You are a happier individual if you’re not in pain, so if you can live your life pain free, you’re feeling good, and happy,” said McClain. “Mainly what I go for is to have a less stressful, less painful life. Our canine partners can benefit from it too.”“The world is stressful enough as it is,” said McCain, “so we just need a little love from somebody else to kind of facilitate the healing in ourselves.”

By - TNNCreated: Mar 30, 2019, 15:12 ISTfacebooktwitterincomWhat is a Deep Tissue Massage? Deep Tissue Massage particularly works on deep layers of muscles, tendons and fascia (the protective layer surrounding muscles, bones and joints) in the body. It is akin to Swedish Massage, but in this type of massage, the therapist will focus on deep pressure and mild strokes that help in easing chronic muscle tension. This way of massage reduces knots and scar tissue along the muscle fibers of the back and body, while improving the body’s ability to heal itself.

Why should you get a Deep Tissue Massage?Deep Tissue Massage enables to break down toxins and loosen metabolic waste build up in the muscles, which can then be removed from the body. What are commonly called “knots” are bonds, bands of edgy, rigid tissue bwlow the skin, which can limit movement, cause pain, and bring inflammation. This style of massage puts pressure over the grain of a muscle fiber to alleviate these adhesions.

According to Sonica Mor Sheoran, Manager Tattva Spa, “Massage is an effective therapy to get rid of body pain and mental fatigue. It makes you feel revived and rejuvenated. The techniques of deep tissue massage are drawn from Ayurveda and the best spas ensure that only natural and herbal ingredients are used which naturally work better and provide deeper benefits.”

Health benefits of a Deep Tissue MassageThis massage has several therapeutic effects and can be used to treat many different conditions.Relieves stress and anxiety – Lugging around extra muscles tensions can cause inflammation that can lead to excess of stress hormones, which can cause mood swings. Massages can increase the production of a hormone called oxytocin and create positive emotions.Lowers blood pressure – Deep Tissue Massage also helps reduce blood pressure and cortisol levels.Reduces chronic back pain – Deep Tissue Massage will be able to relieve chronic back pain by loosening the muscles and improve circulation in those areas in the back.Helps manages labor pain & delivery – This therapy can lower anxiety in expecting mothers. A Deep Tissue Massage before and after labor can increase pain threshold, and decrease leg and back pain.

Breaks Down Scar Tissue - Deep Tissue Massages can help break up newly forming scar tissue after an injury. Scar tissue can slow down recovery process and cause stiffness.

Who should avoid itIf you suffer from the following issues and/or ailments, do not opt for a Deep Tissue Massage or talk to your doctor, before you opt for it –1. Those diagnosed with blood clots2. Who are suffering from osteoporosis3. Those with ongoing chemotherapy or have undergone chemo in the pastad a surgery recently

If you’ve ever struggled with acute or chronic pain, you know how disruptive it can be to your life and well-being. And taking pain-relieving drugs can come with many side effects, including potential addiction. The current opioid crisis in many countries has been largely fueled by an increase in prescriptions to opioid medications for pain control.

With this in mind, it’s more important than ever to find alternative ways to relieve pain. The good news is that many different techniques are available to help combat pain — including therapies performed by professionals, as well as practices you can learn on your own.

NATURAL METHODS FOR PAIN CONTROL1. Exercise

​Exercise may not be at the top of your list when you’re dealing with pain, but research has shown that physical activity can improve your ability to cope with pain.A 2014 study examined the pain tolerance levels of volunteers who used a stationary bicycle for 30 minutes, three times a week, for six weeks. Their ability to withstand pain had increased substantially by the end of the study. But, interestingly, their pain thresholds had not changed. They still felt the pain, but it didn’t bother them as much.Researchers suggested this may be due to changes in the brain that result from a sustained exercise program. It may not physically affect the pain, but regular exercise can somehow change your perception of the pain so it becomes less disruptive to your life.Related: 6 Best Exercises for People with Chronic Pain2. MassageScience is unclear on exactly how massage works to relieve pain, but a 2016 scientific review found such compelling evidence to support massage in pain treatment that researchers concluded massage therapy “should be strongly recommended as a pain management option.”Be healthy. Be loving.Get dail tips for leading a healthy and compassionate life delivered to your inbox. Studies have also found that massage has psychological benefits for those dealing with chronic pain. It can help you cope more effectively with the emotional aspects of pain, as well as assist with relaxation and stress reduction.3. MeditationEvidence has revealed that practicing meditation and mindfulness activates unique pathways in your brain that help reduce pain. And you don’t even need much meditation experience to see benefits. Participants in one study had significant reductions in pain intensity after meditating for only four days, for 20 minutes per day. The participants had never meditated at all prior to learning the technique for the study.A 2012 scientific review found that meditation or mindfulness practices that focus on the present moment are the most beneficial for pain control. The most important aspects of practice to support pain relief are:

Sustained attention to the moment-to-moment experience of sensory, emotional and cognitive events

The recognition that such events are fleeting and changeable

Not reacting to these events and maintaining a lack of emotional or cognitive involvement with them

Many traditional and modern methods of meditation and mindfulness include these key factors. And considering how beneficial they are for pain control, it’s worth the effort to find a meditation technique that’s right for you. Cognitive behavioral therapy is another mindfulness technique that’s been found to be helpful for reducing pain.4. Heat and Cold TherapyHeat or cold therapy can provide effective pain relief, as long as you use the right therapy for the pain you’re experiencing.Cold therapy restricts blood flow and is typically used to reduce immediate swelling and inflammation. You can use an ice pack on a bruise, muscle strain or an arthritic joint that feels inflamed or hot. A cold pack should only be applied for a short time to prevent any skin damage.On the other hand, heat therapy helps get blood moving and improves circulation. It can reduce pain from stiff, sore, or tense muscles and joints. Heat therapy works better over a longer period, so try using a hot pack for at least 15 to 20 minutes. Having a long bath or session in a sauna can also soothe pain.5. Guided ImageryGuided imagery involves generating specific images in your mind that are meant to evoke certain physiologic changes, such as promoting relaxation or relieving pain. It can be done with a therapist or on your own. That said, it’s recommended to at least learn the technique from a trained therapist before using it alone to get the most out of your practice.Research has shown that guided imagery can be very effective against pain. It can also improve movement and function, as well as reduce the need for pharmaceutical pain medications.Many guided imagery scripts are available online or in books. A simple imagery exercise you can experiment with is to close your eyes and try to create a visual image of your pain. Give it a shape, color, size, and movement. Next, try slowly replacing this image with a more pleasing one, and then letting that image move away from your body, taking the pain with it.

6. AcupunctureA 2012 scientific review investigated the use of acupuncture for pain treatment. The review examined 82 current studies that looked at acupuncture’s effect on various types of chronic pain, such as headache and osteoarthritis pain.The review concluded that acupuncture is an effective treatment for chronic pain. It also found that the pain-relieving effects of acupuncture persist over time, and these benefits are not simply due to the placebo effect.7. Chiropractic TherapyChiropractic treatment is becoming more recognized as a pain reduction strategy. The American College of Physicians even recommends it as an alternative to pharmaceutical drugs for low back pain. Chiropractic care can also help relieve other musculoskeletal-related pains.Chiropractors manipulate your body’s alignment with the goal of relieving pain and supporting your body to heal itself. A chiropractor can also advise on improving your posture and other biomechanics to further relieve pain.8. DietInflammation itself can cause pain, as well as make some painful conditions worse. Eating a diet that reduces inflammation will naturally combat pain.An anti-inflammatory diet typically includes lots of fruits and vegetables, whole grains and other whole foods, while limiting processed and refined foods. A few studies have also shown a reduction in pain and inflammation when participants followed vegan or vegetarian diets.Whether you eat a plant-based diet or not, you can’t go wrong by including some of these 16 foods that fight inflammation and pain in your daily meals and avoiding processed foods.Also, make sure you consult your doctor before starting any new routine to control pain. They can help you design a pain-control strategy that will work best for your current situation.

​FEATURE — Synergy is the benefit that results when two or more agents work together to achieve something neither agent could have achieved on its own.The concept of the whole being greater than the sum of its parts is the simple premise that has been the backbone of Synergy Massage & Personal Fitness in St. George.Our team of massage therapists and personal trainers work together to provide people with unique therapeutic massages and fitness sessions to overcome a variety of issues.As a personal trainer and massage therapist, I saw the need to provide a dual environment where massage therapies and physical movement are applied to facilitate healing, recovery and overall well-being.In this process, the client is educated in self-care techniques and provided with a plan that includes massage therapy, post rehabilitation and personal coaching to facilitate the journey of wellness. Synergy Massage & Personal Fitness provides a place where individualized attention in a private atmosphere gives the client a sense of empowerment and partnership.

Photo courtesy of Synergy Massage & Personal Fitness, St. George NewsSome of our greatest joys occur when someone walks without using a cane, recovers from a car accident, experiences relief from pain or moves a limb in a full range of motion again.One recent case is that of a young girl, age 13, who had a kneecap displacement resulting in torn cartilage. When she came to Synergy after her surgery and six months of physical therapy, she still could not function without pain. Her goal was to dance again pain free. We began the process of testing and assessing.When she contracted her thigh muscles, her knee would “J” to the side, causing her great discomfort at the joint hinge when she ran, stood up, walked up and down stairs and extended her leg. After meeting with our injury and prevention trainer, Terese Schelling, for assessment and initial functionality testing, she was treated by massage therapist Rhonda MacFadzen for tight vs. slack muscle tone and function.The assessment showed that the outer thigh was pulling the knee up and to the side while the weaker inner thigh was not strong enough to assist. The hamstrings were the opposite in function: the outer hamstring was slack and weak while the inner hamstring was overpowering. All this created a sort of torque in the leg that also contributed to an internal rotation.Treatment in massage therapy included trigger point release, fascial line release, massage cupping and stretch. The first session resulted in some relief in painful knee extension, but the strength and movement to complete a knee extension was still lacking.

Photo courtesy of Synergy Massage & Personal Fitness, St. George NewsTerese’s testing indicated that the girl’s left quad showed atrophy above the knee, and she was unable to engage the girl’s inner thigh muscle or the left buttock muscle. Pain levels ranged from 4–9 on a scale of 1–10 during ¼ squats and step-downs. Knee extension over a soft ball was the most painful, and the girl needed assistance in bringing her surgical leg back down towards the floor.After only five weeks of training, the girl showed improvements in range of motion, stability and strength in the left knee. At eight weeks, she was able to complete chair squats without pain, perform knee extensions without pain and perform step downs and regular squats with a low level of discomfort.This success story demonstrates the many ways Synergy Massage & Personal Fitness uses its knowledge and skills to overcome a variety of complex issues. If you or someone you know needs our help, call our office, or go online to schedule an appointment.

Whether you are looking for a way to pamper yourself or treat any pain in some parts of your body, getting a massage is something that will definitely make anyone feel better.

Here are 6 benefits of getting a massage:

It eases any muscle pain.

When you do a lot of physical activities every day, there’s always a big possibility that you will strain your muscles. This leads to abrupt changes in your body which can affect your daily activities. So in order to ease those sore muscles, get a massage to relieve it from pain. In fact, a massage therapy is one of the most effective methods to treat chronic back pain.

It improves your sleep.

A simple massage promotes relaxation so if you have problems with getting enough rest and sleep, it’s the best method to undergo. Getting a massage can greatly improve your sleep every night. It’s one of the things that can help you overcome insomnia. Less sleep can cause a lot of health problems and increase your stress levels. So make sure to get a massage more often to improve your sleep at night.

It soothes your anxious and depressed mind.

When one is going through depression and anxiety, one would need something incredibly therapeutic. One of the things that can help someone to deal with anxiety and depression is a massage. Studies show that when one receives a good massage therapy, they become less depressed and anxious. A relaxed mind is extremely important for someone who is anxious and depressed so getting a massage can definitely help.

It helps to relieve headaches.

Getting a massage can help decrease the tension of pain in your head. So when you have a headache, you can always book for a last-minute massage. It can help you big time to relieve your headache. Headaches are absolutely frustrating as it can affect your daily activities. If you want to avoid taking any medication and want to treat it naturally, considering getting a good massage.

It boosts your immunity.

The good effects of massage can help you fight off sickness. Getting a good massage can greatly boost your immunity.

It improves your mood.

Recommended byPerhaps the greatest and instant benefit you will get from getting a massage is that it makes you feel better and food about yourself. With this, your mood is improved and help you face your daily tasks and responsibilities with a more positive outlook. That is the reason why after a long day at work or after a stressful activity, it is always a good idea to get a good massage.

​The frenzy over CBD (also known as cannabidiol, the non-psychoactive component found in a cannabis plant) isn’t slowing down. Canada just legalized the use of recreational cannabis, including CBD, allowing residents to try CBD products to improve issues like anxiety, sexual performance and poor sleep. Many wellness centers are also jumping on board, using products like CBD oil ― arguably one of the most commonly used forms of CBD ― as a way to alleviate customers’ various ailments.One of those issues? Muscle pain. Studies suggest CBD works as a pain reliever and may even help to relieve the symptoms of arthritis. Anecdotally, people have credited CBD for helping them with their back pain. One of the main ways people do this is by using CBD oil in a massage.I suffer from sciatica ― a type of pain that affects a large nerve that extends from the lower back down the back of each leg ― along with some other constant aches that just come from being a mom who also sits at a desk most of the day. I’ve been searching for natural relief for quite some time, so I decided to give a CBD massage a try.I visited The Spa Ottawa in Ottawa, Canada (where I live) to get a massage using CBD oil. My therapist spoke in hushed tones as she explained the benefits of the treatment, which she said include muscle pain relief, increased relaxation and reduction in inflammation.CBD oil is colorless and odorless, so I couldn’t detect it during the treatment, and it didn’t feel any different from any other product used during a massage. As soon as my massage therapist started working on my back, I was whisked away from my mental to-do list to a familiar state of relaxation that comes when someone gives your muscles a good rub.“That night, I happily realized that the usual pain I feel when trying to get comfy in bed was missing and I fell into a deep sleep by 9 p.m.”Overall, the experience wasn’t divergent from massages I’ve had before. While waiting for a taxi following my appointment, I did notice that my lower back didn’t ache as much as it usually does. My always-too-tight calf muscles felt loose and tingly. However, the biggest difference came hours later: That night, I happily realized that the usual pain I feel when trying to get comfy in bed was missing and I fell into a deep sleep by 9 p.m.I’m not the only one who reaped benefits from the experience: Claudia Rivas, the general manager at The Spa Ottawa, told me that purchases of CBD products, which the spa sells, and appointments for CBD massages have risen dramatically since the change in Canadian law.“It’s a natural and organic painkiller,” Rivas said, adding that many of their clients have been using CBD massages to complement physical therapy.(It’s important to note that the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario advises against registered massage therapists using cannabis products on a client during treatment until more research is conducted. Rules vary by country and state, so check your local regulations if you’re concerned.)How CBD Massages Work And What The Science SaysA CBD massage treatment typically involves CBD oil that is mixed with another carrier oil or cream before a massage therapist applies it to the skin. The practice is said to help multiple pain-related conditions.“Receiving a massage with CBD oil can potentially be very beneficial to patients who are suffering from symptoms such as localized pain, arthritis or inflammation, and skin disorders like eczema or psoriasis,” said Dr. Tanny Raz, the director of medical business development at Apollo Cannabis Clinics, a medical cannabis research organization and treatment center in Toronto.The practice may also be an aid for those living with chronic pain who struggle with sleep. Individuals with a pain-related condition often complain that their discomfort wakes them or prevents them from getting deep, quality sleep. Meanwhile, research shows that being well-rested can help people better deal with pain. Studies have found that CBD may increase the amount of sleep people get (based on self-reporting), and research also suggests CBD has pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory benefits.That’s the good news. But here are the important caveats: Research shows there are many benefits to getting a massage, including reduced tension and pain relief, so there’s no definitive way to say it was the CBD component of my massage that alleviated my pain. Also, like all treatments and medicines, CBD oil and massages are not right for everybody. Some people report feeling nausea, irritability or fatigue when using these products (typically when they’re ingested). There’s always a chance you can have a skin reaction with topical treatments. It’s always a good idea to discuss any new health regimens with your health care provider.Is Using CBD For Pain Safe ― Or Even Legal?CBD is becoming more widely available for purchase and in spas and massage therapy centers across the country. However, contradictory laws at the federal and state levels have contributed to some confusion about its legality, and CBD oil may be classed as illegal in some states. Additionally, many CBD products aren’t approved or tested by the Food and Drug Administration. If you’re worried, check the rules in your area to make sure everything’s OK before purchasing or proceeding.When it comes to CBD oil massages specifically, experts say the treatment has no immediately known dangers associated with it (separate from any normal skin-related issues, reactions or irritations that may result from any other massage).“Since there is no known case of a cannabis overdose on record, cannabinoid therapy is in a league of its own when it comes to safety,” said Dr. Blake Pearson, the founder of GreenlyMed.com and a practicing physician in Ontario, Canada. The World Health Organization states that there is no evidence of any public health-related problems or abuse or dependence potential associated with the use of pure CBD.In a world of wacky wellness trends that don’t always do a lot of good, CBD massages stand out as among the more effective and relaxing techniques that are generally harmless for most people. That’s a fad I’m personally happy to adopt.